I have a number of times boil a cup or 2 of water in my microwave oven without knowing the danger it poses until recently when I got this info from friends and relatives in my email. I would love to share this info with my dear readers.
"A 26-year old guy decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before).
I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he told me he wanted to bring the water to a boil.
When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven.
As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup'blew up' into his face.The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water had flown out into his face
due to the build up of energy.
His whole face was blistered and he had 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face, which may leave scarring.
He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was
attending to him stated that this is fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should
never be heated in a microwave oven.
If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as: a woodenstir stick, tea bag, etc.
It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle ."
I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he told me he wanted to bring the water to a boil.
When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven.
As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup'blew up' into his face.The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water had flown out into his face
due to the build up of energy.
His whole face was blistered and he had 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face, which may leave scarring.
He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was
attending to him stated that this is fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should
never be heated in a microwave oven.
If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as: a woodenstir stick, tea bag, etc.
It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle ."
General Electric's (GE) response:
Micro waved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point.
They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup
when it is moved or when something like a spoon or teabag is put into it.
To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it.
If you pass this on ... you could very well save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.
15 comments:
I'm terrified of using the microwave after hearing so many warnings from friends and newspaper reports.
I bought a brand new microwave but has not used it for years. :P
Hi Sweet Jasmine...we use our microwave for everything, except boiling water or making coffee.
Once long ago I had two eggs in it to boil, they exploded. Sure scared the blazes out of me too, ha ha.
But cannot live without one...very fast.
You keep well Jasmine, have a great weekend, Lee.
Hi Ee,
Its been long since i drop by. Thanks for sharing this information as everyone use microwave on daily basis.
Great warning! I never heat my water for more than 2 mins.
i use my micro wave every day. i better restrict the use of it. i love the video on the side of the blog. i hope u dont mind my snatching it. i been looking for it for ages. it is one of my top favorites. i love it so much.
Eastcoastlife, you don't have to be frighten of using microwaveoven. As long as you understand how it works, it is just as save like any household utensils.
Hi Lee, thanks fro dropping by. I have been using microwave oven for decades and it is so convenient for heating up food. Boiling water is just once in a while. Boiling eggs is of course a no no in mwo. Need to have to study the do's and don'ts before using it.
noir, you be careful with your microwave oven. Get some tips from me if in doubt.
Hi anonymous, thanks for putting a word here. Some people need to learn from their mistakes.
Little corner of mine - Luckily, my heated water never explode or else i'll be a dead meat.
Bengbeng, microwave is actually quite safe if you follow all the instruction in using it. It is so convenient and safe time and energy for heating up food.
Reg; the music video you can get all your favrite playlist from youtube once you register and login. I love all oldies.
hi ee ee,
this is scary..thanks for sharing...i do use the microwave to heat just a cup of water in the office pantry...i will be more careful...
I just got a free microwave oven before new year and not sure whether to keep it or give away. I dont like to use microwave, frankly
I heard the Thaipusam in Penang is crowded and interesting as well. I would love to see it myself... one day.
Hi
My 1st visit here. Thanks a lot for sharing this. It's really useful especially people seems can't live without it nowadays, quick and convenient. I will pass this to my friends too. Cheers
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